Computer glitch stumps Thomas Jefferson hopefuls

WASHINGTON — Students hoping to be accepted to the elite Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology ran into a major glitch Saturday.

“We unfortunately experienced significant technical issues at our testing sites. We are now assessing the extent of the technical difficulties and are deeply sorry for the problem,” Fairfax County Public Schools says in a statement.

The semifinalists had already passed the multiple choice portion of the admissions test last month, but the essay test is conducted entirely on computers.

A parent tells WTOP the testing that was supposed to be finished before 11 a.m. did not end until 1 p.m. when some students were forced to leave without their full essays saving into the system.

“We will be in touch with semifinalists and their families by Friday, Jan. 31, with options for semifinalists to continue the application process,” the school system says.